ReadysetDC A CREATIVE URBAN ENTERPRISE

Interview: Adrian Loving

Adrian Loving / DeeJay / Graphic Designer/ Instructor / Mover + Shaker at Dissident Display, a multimedia studio and gallery found by Adrian, Ayo Okunseinde and Eric Brewer. His current project will be held tonight, Fashion Night Out, an event at the Chevy Chase Neiman Marcus.

ReadysetDC: How long have you lived in the city?: I grew up here in DC since the 70’s, left for school then moved back in 2000 to start my professional career as an artist and DJ.

ReadysetDC: What is your favorite neighborhood and why?

A. Loving: I am really feeling H street NE right now. Even though I saw a homeless drunk dude passed out on my stoop the other day, it’s a vibrant rich culture with a mix of bars, cool new residents and classic DC African American flavor.

ReadysetDC: What aspect of the city is unique to you?
A. Loving: The fact that DC has an air of entrepreneurship deeply ingrained in its character is what appeals to me most. It helps supply the movers and shakers with the fuel to DIY (Do It Yourself).

ReadysetDC: What is your favorite restaurant and locations to shop?
A. Loving: Marvin is my go-to bar spot and the food is great as well. Its my Cheers! As far as shopping, I have been stalking Zara, Guess and some local vintage stores for my mix of clothes.

ReadysetDC: Between teaching, Dissident Display, personal projects and DJing, do you have free time?
A. Loving: Well, I have to make free time for myself. I usually like to spend it going to museums, art openings or seeing movies on the lawn. And really chillin with friends.

ReadysetDC: What music is currently on heavy rotation on your iPod?
A. Loving: Well I don’t have an iPod right now. So I just bang a lot of mixed cds that contain rare disco, house and soul. I am a serious crate digger!

ReadysetDC: What are the six things that you love about DC?
A. Loving:

1. The gorgeous international women
2. Free things to do
3. Obama
4. All my creative friends
5. Its enormous potential
6. Great party and culture scene

ReadysetDC: There is a nice buzz going around in DC, especially in the culture scene of the city. Do you keep up with DC’s blogosphere? Any favorites?
A. Loving: I am not super into blogging but I do keep up with events and the underground via Brightest Young Things, Fusicology and my new favorite Ready Set DC.

ReadysetDC: Thanks! Since Dissident Display relocated to the Atlas District, what changes are you currently seeing in the neighborhood? Good or bad?
A. Loving: The city is building a trolley system on H street. Its on my block right now and I hate it from being awaken by drilling and construction at 7am every morning. Uggggh!

ReadysetDC: What is the mission of the studio?
A. Loving: The mission of Dissident Display is to promote and create cultural material and events for the city and foster collaborations with emerging artists and organizations.

ReadysetDC: In regards to grants, do you apply for grants with the DCCAH? Do you receive contributions from individual donors?
A. Loving: Yes we apply and have been awarded grants by the city, and are looking for private donors/sponsors for future events.

ReadysetDC: We have noticed an emergence of street art around the city. What kind of message(s) do you think the artists are conveying to DC residents?
A. Loving: I am not sure of any direct messages aimed at DC residents but I know that these artists definitely want to make their presence felt creatively.

ReadysetDC: Do you plan on incorporating body painting and fashion into upcoming projects? Anything similar to Sensory Remix?
A. Loving: My next project is a Fashion Night Out, an event at Neiman Marcus (tonight). I have a very alented team of models and makeup artists.

ReadysetDC: We will be checking it out tonight! As a participant and organizer of different events, what event/party has the best dressed women and men of DC?
A. Loving: Wow, tough question! I have seen some really stylish women at quite a few of the Magazine parties and Embassy parties this past year.

ReadysetDC: What are your thoughts about art studios in the city? Do we have any/enough to support the creative community?
A. Loving: There could always be more art and creative studios here in Washington. More organization is better and more output is necessary for film, video, visual art and music. I hope there will be more in the future.

ReadysetDC: If there was one thing that you can propose for DC’s art scene, what would it be and why?
A. Loving: I would propose cheap and affordable housing and health care directly aimed at helping the creative class get what they need.

ReadysetDC: Where do you see DC’s creative community in 5 years? 10 years?
A. Loving: I see DC’s creative community exploding even more in the next few years. More cohesion and output of work will put us in a new class to compete with other scenes in the world.

ReadysetDC: We agree, the creative community needs more cohesion. This is the best time to come together and we are sure that you’ll be part of that movement. Lastly, can you give us a hint about upcoming projects that you are currently working on?
A. Loving: I am currently developing some fashion photoshoots to debut during Photoweek DC in November and developing a website for the Deejays Coalition, an advocacy group for Washington’s Deejays.